ACADEMIC SOURCES Flashcards
Shaw, 1985 on deterrence
Permissible to threaten to do that which it would be immoral to do if the ends are just = peace. Permissibility of deterrence based on context.
Hayashi, 2015
Anti-nuclear deontologist. Nukes are intrinsically immoral as they violate the categorical imperative that people are to be treated w dignity. Our rejection of nukes must be independent of utility. Threat and use of nukes are morally equivalent.
McMahan, 1985 (on nuclear weapons)
Immorality of nukes does not need to be absolute - it is wrong (all else being equal) to risk doing that which it would be wrong to do. If the expected consequences for abandoning deterrence are greater than its benefits the deontological restraint may be overridden. threat and use of nuclear weapons not morally equivalent.
Doyle, 2015 (on nukes)
Implementation of nuclear abolition may entail violating ethical rules by the need to cultivate a fear of nuclear holocaust - psychological trauma = moral harm? Does not provide an answer but raises an interesting question.
General arguments for deterrence (4)
- The possibility of escalation to MAD is exactly what makes deterrence a credible policy / peace
- If the policy is successful nukes will never actually be used
- Degrees of wrongness: using nukes is not morally equivalent to deterrence
- Cannot trust other states to disarm
General arguments against deterrence (6)
- Accidents happen
- Unique destructive power (proportionality)
- Discrimination impossible
- Maximisation of casualties - double-effect violated
- Violate categorical imperative - using civilian deaths as a means to an end
Stoic view on honour
The pursuit of honour is not a virtue - you act virtuously because it is the right thing to do not for a reward.
Epicurean view on honour
Competition for honour endangers peace as it can lead to more violence
Eudaimonia definition
Human flourishing
What is virtue?
A character trait that is morally good and is conducive to making decision that lead to eudaemonia (human flourishing).
What is virtue ethics?
1 of 3 major approaches to normative ethics that focuses on moral character. Virtue ethics poses that something is right if it is what a virtuous person would do.
What is necessary for making virtuous decisions?
Phronesis = practical wisdom. Being able to decide to which virtue to follow and to what degree that is appropriate for the situation.
Main ancient philosopher for virtue ethics
Aristotle
What is honour
Incentive/reward for virtuous conduct? External vs internal honour.
Being respected by others vs. an internally felt duty (Olsthoorn)
Keegan, 1998 - Why is honour important in war?
Can instruct soldiers to act in ways that minimise suffering and enforces decency
How can we use virtues in war? (2)
- Training soldiers to act morally (Bushido code = responsibility to those dependent on you e.g. general population)
- Judging political decision makers
Gaskarth, 2011 on virtue ethics
Inherently subjective nature of ethical decision making requires a framework that reflects that.
Focus on political decision makers as individual moral agents - can assess what virtues they were following when they made decisions. Can analyse what virtues are conducive to good outcomes.
Focus on speech / justifications - can compare across cultures/countries.
Olsthoorn, 2005 on virtue ethics / honour
Military depends on honour (sacrifice your life to defend country), military ethic stresses the supremacy of society over individuals. Virtue requires a reward. Overcomes the inherent weakness of man and counteract the softening effect of society.
Acknowledges that honour can lead to personal aggrandisement that may create unnecessary violence.
McDowell, 1979 on virtue ethics
Unrealistic to attempt to codify ethics as Deonotology and Consequentialism have done. Phronesis is required to apply the rules that consequentialism and deon have laid out.
Main criticisms of virtue ethics (4)
- Not codifiable = cannot provide action guidance
- Is there a strong enough link between virtue and good/right? (Adams, 2006) You can perform a right action without being virtuous
- Cultural relativity (MacIntyre, 1985)
- Self-effacing - what justifies action should not be the agents motivation for doing it
Responses to main criticisms (4)
- Codification –> long list of vices actually able to guide how we should NOT act // we want soldiers who can decide when to avoid these vices
- Link between right & virtue –> (Brewer, 2009) modern conception of right/wrong built around adherence to moral rules // fails to recognise axiological concepts of good/bad/better/worse
- Cultural relativity –> (Solomon, 1988) not an issue unique to virtue ethics // many cultures have different ideas on welfare (consequentialism)
- Self-effacing –> again not unique to virtue ethics
Why do we need virtue ethics for the ethics of war? (2)
- In war it is necessary that soldiers are prepared to die and take a life. Deontology and consequentialism cannot explain or motivate these actions –> honour and virtue fills this gap.
- Looking at decision makers
- Actions are rarely inherently good/bad
Robinson, 2007 on honour
Honour = external & internal which reflect the virtues of magnanimity and integrity (respectively). These virtues encourage other virtues but also vice e.g. courage and loyalty. Excess of courage = rashness
Solution 1 = military should give greater weight to respect for human life and dignity
Solution 2 = widen honour group whose opinions soldiers care about, must reflect society